Head of Performance and Planning

Head of Performance and Planning

Company: Government Recruitment Service
Salary: £57,515 - £57,515
Hours: Full-time
Location: Southampton
Job type: Permanent
Posting date: 13 Aug 2026
Closing date: 31 Aug 2026

Can you lead organisational planning and performance reporting that supports strategic decision making?

Do you have experience developing robust performance frameworks, business plans and reporting processes?

Have you worked with senior stakeholders to provide insight, assurance and clear performance information?

If so, we’d love to hear from you!

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is seeking a Head of Performance and Planning to lead the development of organisational strategies, annual business planning and performance reporting across the Agency. This is a high-profile role within Corporate Services, providing assurance to senior leaders and supporting effective decision making through accurate, timely and meaningful performance information. You will work closely with colleagues across MCA, including the Data and Analysis and operational teams and the Department for Transport to strengthen planning, reporting and governance arrangements, helping the Agency remain focused on delivery and continuous improvement.

Please note we are also recruiting for a Head of Risk and Resilience which may be of interest.

Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays and a privilege day for the King’s birthday
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

Read more in the Benefits section below!

Find out more about what it's like working at: Maritime and Coastguard Agency - Department for Transport Careers

As Head of Performance and Planning, you will lead the Agency’s strategic planning and performance reporting function, ensuring robust frameworks, accurate data and clear insight are in place to support delivery, governance and assurance at Executive Committee, Board and Department for Transport level.

Your responsibilities will include, but aren’t limited to:

• Leading and developing the Performance and Planning function, fostering a high-performing and collaborative team culture.
• Overseeing the Agency’s performance reporting framework, ensuring timely, accurate and meaningful management information.
• Producing monthly and quarterly performance packs for senior governance forums, including Executive Committee, MCA Board and Sponsorship Board.
• Working with Data and Analysis colleagues and operational directorates to improve data quality, reporting consistency and insight.
• Overseeing the annual business planning process, ensuring plans align with MCA strategy, DfT priorities and wider government objectives.
• Developing reporting tools, templates and guidance to standardise processes and drive best practice across the Agency.
• Engaging with the Department for Transport on performance matters, ensuring effective escalation, alignment and resolution of issues.
• Supporting strategic planning, governance and formal committee activity across the Agency as required.

Great line management is important to us as an organisation, and we will equip and support line managers to develop the skills they need. We aim to empower line managers to create teams where people can flourish and deliver excellent outcomes for the public.

For further information on the role, please read the role profile. Please note that the role profile is for information purposes only - whilst all elements are relevant to the role, they may not all be assessed during the recruitment process. This job advert will detail exactly what will be assessed during the recruitment process.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

About Disability Confident Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.

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